: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After back-to-back disappointing seasons for the Chicago Cubs, this year felt like the make-or-break season. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 When her family receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses at their sewing factory, she is put to work. Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 May 2025 Being on the front end of projects has given Arden a window onto how make-or-break artistic decisions are made. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 Above all, the make-or-break component for any retail media campaign comes down to store associates. Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-or-break was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-or-break. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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